The Incompatibility of Peacemaking and Military Power

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Periodical article

Title:	The Incompatibility of Peacemaking and Military Power
Author:	Harris, Geoff
Year:	2001
Periodical:	South African Journal of International Affairs
Volume:	8
Issue:	1
Period:	Summer
Pages:	67-74
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	conflict resolution defence Politics and Government Inter-African Relations Military, Defense and Arms
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10220460109545340
Abstract:	South African political leaders and public servants have made clear their desire for South Africa to play a major role as peacemaker in southern Africa. However, the acceptance of an individual as a peacemaker by parties to a dispute depends on the perceived characterisitics of the potential peacemaker. This paper argues that South Africa violates many of the desirable attributes of a peacemaker. Particularly, South Africa's foreign policy objective to act as a peacemaker is compromised by its degree of militarization. The major determinant of the country's military expenditure is the military pressure group, whose success is reinforced by two widely-held but questionable beliefs, viz. that a strong military is necessary to promote 'security', and that a strong military is necessary for national pride and status. Ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]